Children's Ministries

We at First Presbyterian aim to provide services to children from  birth through grade 6. We believe that the parent is the primary spiritual leader in the life of a child. We aim to support that leadership through spiritual truths, programming and activities. We believe that our children are the church of today! We train children to be of service to God and the local church. Our pastoral staff is always available to provide needed assistance for your family by calling the church office at (574) 264-3109.

Sunday School

Sunday School is held in the upper deck (upstairs children’s wing) on Sunday mornings at 10:45 a.m. Students are on a 4 year scope and sequence of lessons that prepare them with the foundations of spiritual knowledge that will allow them to make responsible and accountable decisions as teens and young adults. We have several areas where children learn through experiential methods, which include  computers, games, lending library, drama and music.

Feel free to join us at any of the activities listed. If you have any questions, please contact the church office at (574) 264-3109 or see Kristy Nix, Childrens Ministries Coordinator. Our goal is to see children come to know Jesus. If you would like to volunteer, we always have available positions open. Whatever your skill level or your commitment of time, you can be used for God’s kingdom. Come on...get out of that adult service once in awhile and get SLIMED!

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Sonshine Kids is a great way for 3, 4, and young 5 year-old children to be introduced to church, God, and Jesus, as well as have fun with new friends!   We meet in room 106 from 9:45-10:45 and 10:45-11:45. This area is staffed by 2 teachers who rotate bimonthly. Preschool curriculum is used to promote lifelong friend-ships and a love for God and the church.Come and Join us! You'll want to stay!

Our nursery is staffed with 3 adult staff members and several volunteers. We are always seeking people to share in the infant and toddler program through volunteering one service a month. Mary Freed is our nursery director. Ages for Noah’s Ark is birth-age 3.

Nursery care is available Sunday mornings from 8:15 am -12:00 pm and with advance notice at all church events. Mary Freed is our Nursery Coordinator, and together with assistance from parents, grandparents, and youth volunteers, babies and toddlers are greeted by a familiar, friendly face every week. 

The Nursery is equipped with silent pagers for parents to take into worship.  If there is a need, we can reach you quickly and quietly, hopefully giving you peace of mind as you leave your children in our care!  

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This camp/conference center in Rochester, IN, is part of our Presbytery.  It offers summer camp experiences for children and families, as well as youth retreats and Elderhostels throughout the year. 

      Synod School      A week long event for families, held every summer at Hanover College, IN, Sponsored by the Synod of  Lincoln Trails.  Don't let the word "school" fool you.  The learning opportunities are there - but it's loads of fun! 
 

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Children and Youth are an important part of the worship life of our congregation.  They participate and provide worship leadership in many ways: in choirs, as liturgists, ushers and greeters, offering special music or liturgical dance, and more. To encourage children in their worship experience, we offer: 

Children’s Choirs: Melodia Choir (grades 1-3), Jr. Chorale (grades 4-6), and Westminster Choir (7 - 12) rehearse Wednesday afternoons, from 5:00 to 5:25, 5:30 to 6:00, and 6:30 to 7:00, respectively.  Choir Director: Celia Weiss.   

Worship Packets: Available in the hallway adjacent to the Sanctuary.  The notebook includes worksheets tied to the morning’s scripture readings, as well as activity sheets and storybooks. 

Communion: Children are invited to share in Lord’s Supper as part of the family of faith. Parents are encouraged to discuss the meaning and importance of this sacrament with their children. 
 

Baptisms are scheduled throughout the year. We practice infant baptism, as well as baptism for believers.  Preparation classes are offered for parents in advance of each scheduled Baptism.

 

Susie's Kids:  Lots of games & activity resources! 

Sunday School Software:  A select assortment of Christian links "and other odd or interesting links" for  Teachers, Pastors, & Parent compile by Neil MacQueen 

Just 4 Kids Magazine: Full of Stories, Crafts, Songs, Poems, Activities, Gifts and Games. 

Faith at Home: ideas for celebrating Palm Sunday to Holy Week with your children. 
 

And, we recommend the book, "Making Time for God" by Susan R. Garrett & Amy Plantinga Pauw.  This book of "Daily Devotions for children & families to share" is a great resource.

Dealing with Tough Topics in the family: 
  "Helping families talk together about War, Violence and Terrorism": 
         This is a 13 pg. document file, and includes: 

• A workshop art activity and litany for prayer service 
• Talking in the Wake of Tragedy 
• Some words of Scripture in Times of Trial 
• Helpful Resources for Families in Times of Trial 
• Some activities for Families in the Midst of Tough Times 
• Sentence Starters to Keep Families Talking